LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200), Jan. 7, 2013 – Sony’s new suite of advanced Handycam® camcorders make it even easier to capture and preserve once-in-a-lifetime memories in crisp full HD video and pristine still images. The new camcorders have something for both the casual shooter and advanced videographer, with upgrades including increased picture quality by Sony’s unique Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ for smoother movies deployed in more models, higher brightness for built-in projection, Wi-Fi™ for easier sharing and a range of advanced performance capabilities.

Improved Video Projection, AVCHD/MP4 Selectable & Optional Wi-Fi

Taking its ultimate theater experience to the next level, Sony’s Handycam® camcorders with built-in video projectors get a boost in brightness. The compact, LED-based projector built into the flip-out LCD panel of these camcorders can project video and images up to 100” diagonal onto any flat surface with upgraded resolution for an even clearer, sharper picture. Select models also now add an external HDMI input that lets users project content from compatible smartphones, tablets or PCs – movies, slideshows, web pages, games, etc. – onto any flat wall or surface. Select models also offer a high sensitivity microphone and an advanced sound processor for rich audio results.

Making its Handycam® debut, all new camcorders now offer the option of recording HD video in either top-quality AVCHD or web-friendly MP4 formats. While AVCHD offers the highest-quality picture for viewing on an HDTV or burning to a Blu-ray™ Disc for archiving, shooting crisply-detailed clips using the popular bandwidth-saving MP4 format is perfect for online sharing and easy uploads to social media web sites.

In another Handycam® first, an optional Wi-Fi adaptor simplifies cable-free transfers of video clips and still photos. Consumers can even step away from behind the camcorder and control the video capture device remotely with their compatible smartphone.

“As the leader in this category, each year we strive to improve upon our feature-rich camcorder family and innovate in ways that provide value to consumers,” said Hidenori Toyoda, director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics. “We’ve been listening to what people say they want in a premium video camera and continue to deliver on that feedback.”

Superior Imaging and Sound

The new Handycam® camcorder portfolio now integrates more advanced features from entry level to high end, including Sony’s hallmark Exmor R® CMOS image sensor for beautifully clear, detailed video and stills, even in tricky low-light conditions. Sony’s unique Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization will be deployed in more new models for up to 13 times more stable and smooth footage than its predecessors. This powerful image stabilizer makes it much easier to shoot crisp blur-free images in a range of challenging situations using a floating lens unit which controls the entire optical path, including the image sensor.

All models now offer a wide angle lens with less than 30mm minimum focal length to capture everything in the shot, from landscapes to big groups and beyond. Another common feature is TRILUMINOS color technology that reproduces precious memories in rich and natural colors. When still images and videos are played back on any BRAVIA® TV with TRILUMINOS display, users will experience an expanded palette of vivid, ultra-realistic hues.

Handycam camcorder audio is also upgraded this year. Sony’s Advanced Sound System (available on select models) offers several quality enhancements to ensure every sound is captured beautifully – from the loudest concert to the softest whispers. The high-quality external microphone lets users record audio with pinpoint accuracy and Wider Dynamic Range for extreme clarity. In addition, consumers can easily adjust audio record levels to eliminate distortion at high volumes – an area where a smartphone’s camera microphone typically struggles.

A new Multi-Interface Shoe on select models works with a compact Wi-Fi adapter (ADP-WL1M) to bring wireless connectivity to Handycam camcorders for the first time. It allows easy wireless transfer of MP4 movie files and photos directly to a compatible smartphone or tablet, and also backs up both AVCHD and MP4 content to a PC, eliminating the need for cables. Consumers can even use a compatible smartphone as a wireless remote to control Record, Start/Stop, Zoom and other functions on the camcorder.

The HVL-LEIR1 battery-powered video light is also compatible with the Multi-Interface shoe and runs on AA batteries. It doubles as an infrared source for ‘no-lights’ footage with Handycam® models that support NightShot® or Super NightShot®. To further the mobile theater experience, the new Handycam camcorder projector models with the Multi-Interface Shoe can house the RDP-CA2 portable ‘360 degrees’ speaker – a great way to enjoy a clear, rich soundtrack while viewing projected content.

Best-In-Class Features & New Post-Shooting Solution

All Sony Handycam camcorders integrate the following technologies that make them stand out from the competition:

Full HD Video – 1920 x 1080 high-definition video recording at up to 24Mbps, the highest bit-rate offered by the AVCHD™ format

Sony is also announcing an exciting new benefit for Handycam camcorder owners. In collaboration with WeVideo, the leading online video editing company, Sony is making cloud-based, online video editing a reality. Starting in late January, owners of Handycam camcorder models from 2012 through 2013 will be entitled to three free months of access to WeVideo, for access to powerful video editing features including Full HD 1080p export quality; real-time previews, fast rendering; 10GB of cloud storage; and 400 royalty-free audio tracks.

The new high definition camcorders and their accessories will be available in February and March, starting off at about $250, at http://store.sony.com/, Sony retail stores and other authorized retailers nationwide.

Editor’s Note: Press releases and digital images are available for the news media at Sony Electronics’ news and information web site at www.sony.com/news.